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His Masterpiece · Character

Mahoudeau

A sculptor scraping by in a freezing studio, Mahoudeau shares his bed, his stove, and his last jar of olive oil with a rival who once loved the same woman.

supporting

Also known as Sandoz of Mahoudeau

First appearance: his masterpiece

As a supporting figure in His Masterpiece, Mahoudeau is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

A sculptor who poses for vigour, despising gracefulness yet producing it unconsciously; he feels delighted at the prospect of shocking the public with his work.
In the storyIIIOpen this moment free

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Mahoudeau and Chaîne live together in the back shop, surviving on bread dipped in the olive oil Chaîne could not sell, and Mahoudeau narrates their misery with a numb, sardonic calm. He speaks of Chaîne's affair with…

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See Mahoudeau in his masterpiece

Character Web

7 connections

A slice of how Mahoudeau sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

SASandozBOBongrandCLClaude LantierJOJoryCHChristineMAMahoudeau

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Peripheral and supporting figures
  • Artist circle and family
  • Protagonist

+2 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

SetupAftermathClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

In this chapter, Claude reaches his emotional and psychological peak as he is consumed by a feverish, delusion…

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In the story

Mahoudeau appears across 3 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Mahoudeau unlock in the free preview.

See Mahoudeau in his masterpiece